WARN INDUSTRIES * WINCH
15
ROPE INSPECTION
When rope is rst used, the outer
laments of the rope will quickly fuzz
up. This is the result of these laments
breaking and this roughened surface
will actually protect the bers
underneath. The condition should
stabilize, not progress. If the surface
roughness increases, excessive
abrasion is taking place and strength
is being lost. Look closely at both
the inner and outer bers. When
either is worn the rope is obviously
weakened. Open the strands and look
for powdered ber—this is a sign of
internal wear.
Rope should be replaced when:
• Rope bulk anywhere along the
length is reduced by 10% or
more by abrasion.
• Two or more adjacent strands
are cut.
• Flat areas or lumps are found
that are not eliminated by
exing rope.
• Excessive fused or melted bers
are found. Any such areas will
be stiff and the rope will have a
glazed appearance.
Rope Storage and Care
To ensure safety and
performance, the inspection and
maintenance of winching rope should
be among every user’s primary
concerns.
1. Inspect your winch rope for breaks,
cuts, abrasion and melted or fused
bers before each use.
2. Wash rope periodically to remove
dirt and grit. Simply rinse rope with a
garden hose, and allow it to air-dry.
DO NOT use solvents, bleach or
harsh detergents when washing rope,
and never apply a heat source to
speed drying.
3. Coil rope loosely, for storage, being
sure to remove any excess twists. To
maximize rope life, always store rope
line in a dark, dry place. Before using
any rope, refer to the following guide.
WARNING
Never operate
winch with less
than 10 wraps of
rope around the
drum. Rope could
come loose from
the drum, as the
rope attachment
to the drum is not
designed to hold
a load.
If the rope is damaged, remove
it from service immediately, and
replace it with undamaged rope.
Broken or cut strands reduce the
rope’s strength throughout its length
— not just in the area of damage. As
a general rule, retire your 12 strand
rope when more than 3 broken or cut
strands are visible, or if two adjacent
strands are compromised.
4. Replace your rope every 12
months with only WARN rope.
Normal Wear
When small surface bers break
on a rope, they create a fuzzy texture.
Known as “mild abrasion,” this is
considered good wear, and will not
aff ect the performance of the rope.
The nubby surface actually protects
the underlying ber from further
wear.
Excessive Wear–RETIRE THE ROPE
When bers are melted or
fused, it is generally the result of rope
abuse. Melted or fused polyester
bers result from bringing the rope’s
surface to a temperature in excess
of 430° F. Caused by excessive load
weights or powering out, these
damaged bers can compromise
strength, and should signal the rope’s
retirement.
Chemical Attack–RETIRE THE ROPE
(NOT ILLUSTRATED)
Localized discolorations could
potentially represent chemical attack
by anything from gear oil to battery
acid. When doubt exists, retire the
line.
WARN INDUSTRIES * WINCH
16
ROPE INSPECTION
WARNING
Always wear heavy
leather gloves when
handling winch
rope.
Examples:
Rope with original bulk.
Rope strand showing full volume.
Rope displaying 25% strand
volume reduction from
abrasion—rope should be
replaced.
Rope strand reduced by 25%
abrasion—rope should be
replaced.
Rope displays two adjacent
cut strands—rope should be
replaced.
Rope exhibits ber-set from
compression. A slight sheen is
visible. This is not a permanent
characteristic and can be
eliminated by exing the rope.
ROPE INSPECTION Cont.
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